UK animal feed production at a 7-year low this season to date

Last Thursday, AHDB published the latest GB animal feed production figures, including information on cereal usage and feed production up to October. The data showed that from July to October this season, total GB animal feed production including integrated poultry units (IPU) was down 1.9% on the year, and at the lowest level since 2016/17. While the majority of animal feed categories are showing year-on-year declines, the key drivers of a fall in overall production are the pig, sheep and poultry compounders (excluding IPU) sectors. This season to date (Jul-Oct), pig feed production totalled 617.2 Kt, down 6.3% or 41.2 Kt on year earlier levels. Key losses were seen in link/early grower feed (- 14.6 Kt) and pig finishing compounds (- 26.7 Kt). Lacklustre demand from the sector is likely linked to expectations of an ongoing high cost of production. As a result, anecdotal reports suggest that despite contractions last season, it’s unlikely the pig herd will see much expansion this ...